. . . and all the [Tolkien Estate] have done ever since is complain about it (although presumably they haven't complained about the millions of $$$ the films have brought in to fill the [Tolkien Estate]'s coffers right?). It just seems a tad hypocritical to so publicly berate an excellent series of films that have increased Tolkien's works [sic] popularity 100x fold [sic] and guaranteed the [Tolkien Estate]'s financial security for generations to come. If [Christopher Tolkien] hates the films so much then why doesn't he stick to his convictions and just give away all the money he's made of [sic] the back of them [sic]? Or go even further and publicly criticise his father for selling the rights in the first place?

Thereís so much wrong with all that I donít even know where to start. Perhaps itís best to have an old friend speak for me, for he states openly and plainly what is in my own secret heart:

There was a heavy silence. It was Gimli the dwarf who broke in suddenly. ĎThe words of this wizard stand on their heads,í he growled, gripping the handle of his axe.

That should suffice, but lest there be any doubt, I shall perforce expand upon it, even if only a tiny bit; Iíll keep this shorter than it demands and longer than it deserves.

Perhaps most importantly is that it would have been summarily hypocritical of him if Christopher had so worshipped at Mammonís altar that his opinion, appreciation, and perception of a piece of art could be so cheaply bought ó and no less a piece of art than that great one with which he has been deeply, intimately, and passionately involved for his entire remarkably long life.

Christopher is clearly a gentleman of surpassing integrity, yet you would have him cast that away forever, all for a mere forty pieces of silver. Thank God he is a better man than that!

Secondly, but hardly lastly, Christopher has done very nearly the exact opposite of ďcomplaining about the sale of the rights since the day they were sold.Ē He has done nothing of the sort, and it denigrates his honor to suggest otherwise. History is against you here, and so too should be all fair-minded folk.

Thereís more to be said, but others will have to say it, because Iíve not the stomach for it, not in a warped world where perspective, restraint, respect, honor, character, dignity, and integrity have all but died.

…all eyes looked upon the ring; for he held it now aloft, and the green jewels gleamed there that the Noldor had devised in Valinor. For this ring was like to twin serpents, whose eyes were emeralds, and their heads met beneath a crown of golden flowers, that the one upheld and the other devoured; that was the badge of Finarﬁn and his house.